Shocking facts about Geert Wilders! He is an Indonesian Jew, dyes his hair blonde, his wife is Turkish! Shocking facts about Geert Wilders! He is an Indonesian Jew, dyes his hair blonde, his wife is Turkish!

As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 17th day, uncertainties persist regarding the expected Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. The US has reportedly advised Israel to postpone the ground offensive in order to buy time for the release of 212 hostages held by Hamas and for more humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. The New York Times (NYT) reported that the US also asked for time to prepare for possible attacks by Iranian-backed groups.

According to the NYT, citing US officials, Washington has advised Israel to postpone its expected ground offensive in Gaza in order to buy time for the release of 212 hostages held by Hamas and for more aid to be delivered to Palestinian civilians.

US and Israeli defense ministers meet almost every day
The Times said the recommendation was made by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin because the Pentagon advises Israel on military matters and Austin speaks almost daily by phone with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.

The US also asked for more time to prepare for possible attacks on US interests by Iranian-backed groups, the newspaper said, adding that such attacks could increase as Israel launches its invasion.